Former HK governor's remarks draw criticism

No democracy in British colonial period

In no way can Patten deny the fact Hong Kong people, once "second-class citizens" during the colonial period, have stood up as their own masters with unprecedented democratic rights and freedoms in accordance with law, the official argued.

The official pointed out Patten, last British governor of Hong Kong, failed to ensure democracy and freedom in Hong Kong during his rule. Patten now instead alleges the city lacks democracy and freedom after its return, wrongly picturing himself as a "guardian" of human rights and freedoms.

The official also questioned the so-called democracy during the British colonial period. As a matter of fact, people at that time did not have the right to independently elect their leaders and legislators — Patten himself was not democratically elected.